Who says preparing to apply to college can’t be enjoyable? Of course, college prep still involves working hard, earning the best grades possible, and achieving your target scores on standardized tests, but there’s a lot you can control about the process that can — and should — be fun. 

Embarking on a new journey is a challenging task to undertake. Going to college is among the most difficult new journeys, given that, for many students, it marks the first time being on your own and navigating a complex system. For first-generation college students, the journey can be even more challenging, considering you cannot turn to family members for guidance. Many students may feel inclined to default to the lone wolf mentality: “I’ve gotten this far on my own, so I can keep doing things on my own.” 

But college is an entirely different beast than what most students have ever experienced. To succeed as a first-generation college student, you must find your community and your voice. Luckily, you are not alone — 54% of U.S. undergraduates are first-generation students.

The summer before college is an ideal time for you to perform college research to learn what resources and services are available. The early weeks of college can be overwhelming, so use the summer to familiarize yourself as much as possible with your school. One key aspect you should research is whether or not your institution offers a transition program geared specifically for first-generation students. Not only will these programs help you adjust to college life, but they also help you meet other first-generation students.

After three years of hard work, it is almost time for the Class of 2025 to apply to college! But what comes next? Join IvyWise college admissions counselors Judy and Tasha for a deep dive into the college application process and how you can set yourself up for success as you look ahead to the 2024-2025 college admissions cycle.

The easiest way to minimize the stress associated with the college admissions process is to start early! If you understand what admissions officers are looking for and what you need to check off your to-do list and when, you can avoid last-minute time crunches.  

Navigating college life can be both exhilarating and challenging — and the challenges may be compounded for individuals with disabilities. Fortunately, most colleges and universities are committed to being inclusive, offering a myriad of campus resources tailored to support students with diverse needs. Learn more about campus programs and resources that can help disabled students thrive academically and personally.

Georgetown University, nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C., is renowned for its commitment to educating global citizens who are academically proficient and socially conscious. The admissions interview at Georgetown serves as a unique opportunity for applicants to expand on their written applications and showcase their personality, passion, and alignment with the university’s values. Keep reading to learn what the interview entails and how to ace it. 

Many colleges include an admissions interview as part of the application process, which is a great way to further demonstrate your interest, learn more about the school, and get answers to your questions. It’s a good idea to send a thank you note via email after you’ve been interviewed. Not only is it a good practice, but it helps keep you top of mind and gives you one more opportunity to make your case for admission. Keep reading to learn more about how to craft a good thank you email. 

January is here — a new year, a fresh start. If you’re like many people, you may have some goals you want to accomplish in 2024. Setting some academic goals can help you stay focused and on track for the rest of the school year and beyond. Keep reading to learn more about academic goal setting.

The University of Pennsylvania — or Penn, as it’s often referred — offers interviews to prospective students. Depending on volunteer availability, Penn may reach out to you to schedule an Alumni Conversation. This is essentially a conversation between you and an alum so that you can learn a little more about Penn and they can learn a little more about you.

Applying to college and choosing where to enroll is both a major milestone and an important decision. It’s bound to be a little stressful, but it can feel completely overwhelming if you’re not up to date on all the latest terminology.